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Christie cites improper conduct, irregularity at Customs auction
Friday, March 19, 2010
CONTRACTOR General Greg Christie says the Jamaica Customs Department violated several of its own rules during a controversial two-day auction for abandoned motor vehicles last year, which he said was rife with favouritism to members of the police force.
Outlining his findings in a 99-page report tabled in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Christie said his investigations into the auction, which took place on June 30 and July 1 last year, were prompted by the "allegations of irregular, improper and questionable procedures in the conduct of the said auction".
CHRISTIE… rules of the auction were changed in favour of the representatives of the JCF
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CHRISTIE… rules of the auction were changed in favour of the representatives of the JCF
1/1
According to Christie, contrary to Commissioner of Customs Danville Walker's own public assertions that "...everything has been done in accordance with the rules and regulations, and done properly", there was improper conduct, irregularity and non-adherence to the rules which govern the department's public auctions of motor vehicles.
He said his conclusion was based on the fact that although the Customs Department's rules specifically state that all successful bidders must make a minimum 10 per cent deposit on motor vehicles, several vehicles were awarded to members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), although the required deposit was not paid by them.
In addition, he said the JCF representatives were allowed to revisit the auction on the following day and were allowed to bid on other vehicles, although they did not make deposits for the vehicles which were won by them the day before.
"This is despite the fact that the Jamaica Customs Department's rules indicate that payments should be made within the specified period to avoid being banned," said Christie.
"The auction process was unfair, irregular and improper, as midstream... the rules of the auctions were changed in favour of the representatives of the JCF and, as such, other bidders would have been placed at a disadvantage," Christie said.
However, the Customs Department, in a press release yesterday, said:
* The report has shown that no irregularity has resulted in loss of revenue to the Government of Jamaica.
* The auction was observed by representatives from the Asset Management Unit of the Ministry of Finance and members of the Customs Department's Internal Audit Unit.
* Eight auctions have been held since the one in question and no account of irregularities has been reported.
* The 10 per cent deposits were waived because the bidders were acting on behalf of a Government department to secure vehicles for the JCF.
Hmm, govt don't have to follow the rules?
* The actions of the commissioner of customs were done to ensure that the JCF received the vehicles at a fair cost.
Really? At what point did is cease to be an auction?
* The commissioner of customs acknowledges that although some procedural inconsistencies arose from allowing a Government agency to avoid paying the deposit, the overall procedures were in accordance with the rules.
Christie, in the meantime, has turned over a copy of the report to Attorney General Dorothy Lightbourne.
Friday, March 19, 2010
CONTRACTOR General Greg Christie says the Jamaica Customs Department violated several of its own rules during a controversial two-day auction for abandoned motor vehicles last year, which he said was rife with favouritism to members of the police force.
Outlining his findings in a 99-page report tabled in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Christie said his investigations into the auction, which took place on June 30 and July 1 last year, were prompted by the "allegations of irregular, improper and questionable procedures in the conduct of the said auction".
CHRISTIE… rules of the auction were changed in favour of the representatives of the JCF
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CHRISTIE… rules of the auction were changed in favour of the representatives of the JCF 1/1 According to Christie, contrary to Commissioner of Customs Danville Walker's own public assertions that "...everything has been done in accordance with the rules and regulations, and done properly", there was improper conduct, irregularity and non-adherence to the rules which govern the department's public auctions of motor vehicles.
He said his conclusion was based on the fact that although the Customs Department's rules specifically state that all successful bidders must make a minimum 10 per cent deposit on motor vehicles, several vehicles were awarded to members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), although the required deposit was not paid by them.
In addition, he said the JCF representatives were allowed to revisit the auction on the following day and were allowed to bid on other vehicles, although they did not make deposits for the vehicles which were won by them the day before.
"This is despite the fact that the Jamaica Customs Department's rules indicate that payments should be made within the specified period to avoid being banned," said Christie.
"The auction process was unfair, irregular and improper, as midstream... the rules of the auctions were changed in favour of the representatives of the JCF and, as such, other bidders would have been placed at a disadvantage," Christie said.
However, the Customs Department, in a press release yesterday, said:
* The report has shown that no irregularity has resulted in loss of revenue to the Government of Jamaica.
* The auction was observed by representatives from the Asset Management Unit of the Ministry of Finance and members of the Customs Department's Internal Audit Unit.
* Eight auctions have been held since the one in question and no account of irregularities has been reported.
* The 10 per cent deposits were waived because the bidders were acting on behalf of a Government department to secure vehicles for the JCF.
Hmm, govt don't have to follow the rules?* The actions of the commissioner of customs were done to ensure that the JCF received the vehicles at a fair cost.
Really? At what point did is cease to be an auction?* The commissioner of customs acknowledges that although some procedural inconsistencies arose from allowing a Government agency to avoid paying the deposit, the overall procedures were in accordance with the rules.
Christie, in the meantime, has turned over a copy of the report to Attorney General Dorothy Lightbourne.
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